Ritalin

[Litchick]

Hi all.
We provide respite for a child with various special needs including some learning difficulties, communication problems and ADD.

He is hard to handle sometimes but mostly we enjoy having him here and he seems to love coming over.

We were told during the last visit that he was going to be given Ritalin and that we would be advised on dossage etc. I was a bit but it's not my call.

So he's arrived today and bloody hell...he's so subdued. Not himself at all.

So I wondered if this is just an initial reaction to the drug and will he start to be more like himself? Or is this it now?
I feel like he's been taken away iyswim.

Depends. How long has he been on it? Is this supposed to be a stable dose for him or are they still working out what that would be?

The "zombie" effect is the side-effect that hit the papers but it's actually one of the really rare ones. More common is eg insomnia, jitters, loss of appetite. So he may be subdued due to lack of sleep. Often the side effects reduce in the first couple of weeks so it's worth persevering that long at least. And then if you still have problems, reducing the dose to see if you can find a level with max benefit without side effects.

One issue - some kids respond at really very low doses. So it's possible that though he's on a "sensible" average dose, it's actually way too high for him.

I'm blithering on about this because I've recently started on ritalin myself. It has taken a while to get the dose right but I think we're there now. I'm not a zombie. My DH assures me no-one has taken me away! It's a really good med if you can get it to work for you.

How worrying! Could he be tired or coming down with something?
I know several sn children on methylphenidate and none are subdued. My son is calmer and more able to express his personality on meds. It is a stimulant and can affect sleep and it does take a while to settle down and get used to it for the child and particulalry the 'coming down' as it wears off! My son did seem exhausted after it wore off initially - now we just get a calm but less able child! It is quite common to use a short acting dose to start with so you may be seeing the after affect sperhaps? Some other medications for ADHD do have a sedating affect. Could you jot down your observations for the parents perhaps?

My ds2(asd/adhd) is also on meds but for adhd and certainly for him there is a 'settling' in period when he's had a break from his meds (he's on equasym)and he can be a bit out of sorts but he is also a much quieter little boy - one that we don't know just as well as he is normally on meds to manage school (for focussing, concentrating, slowing down to improve social relationships be less impulsive, etc).

Our paed has a saying "Is he quieter than the quietest boy in the class/school"? and that is a good guideline for us. If he is quieter than the quietest boy in the class then he is over medicated; if not, then he might be a quieter boy but it helps him manage a lot of the stuff mentioned about, better. He doesn't fight with his siblings as much, takes time over things, concentrates better, focusses on things better - god he even has time to have a lovely long conversation with me about things (when he can be bothered!!!).

I hope that helps - the change can take a bit of getting used to if you are used to a 'lifewire' but I have found that ds gets more enjoyment out of his siblings and his interests x

when i waas on it as a child it felt like i was walking though fog

Thank you so much.
He is very subdued, very quiet. Usually he comes in and I have to try to stop him from going through all the cupboards etc , yesterday he just sat on the sofa.
He perked up a bit when DC came home from school and to be fair, he slept well, better then normal.

This morning he seems quiet again.But happy enough iyswim.He hasn't eaten though.

I do have to be very careful here, as DH pointed out to me last night, we don't have to deal with him every day, so it really is not our call. His parents find it hard and may be this is the best way.
I'll write it up in his book, though, because there really is quite a change in him.

Hi there, i am feeling exactly the same, my son was put on ritalin last july.. and it has had a postitive effect, helping him concentrate at school etc. i dont give it at weekends, to give him a bit of a break...he isnt overy hyperactive, he has concentration problems though and the ritalin helps him to take his school work in (he is 7).. this week our chemist mislead his prescription and he has gone to school without havin his meds.. and his teacher said today how lovely it was to see his true character.. although he was more bouncy than usuaal and not as focused they had not really seen him so bouncy before!! this bothered me:-( he is on 10mg a day.. 5 in the morning an 5 at lunch.. wonder i should half his dose.. it is a fab drug but i dont want him zombied!! Ruth x